Every day feels like an adventure at GOGO design group, as we continually greet new interior design project opportunities with a sense of curiosity and excitement. On any given day, we are exploring new neighborhoods throughout the Chicagoland area as we travel to meet potential clients and hear their story. After one such adventure to Chicago’s North Wrigleyville neighborhood, we were hired by a young couple who had just purchased a renovated spec home that was originally built in the early 1900s.
At our first meeting, we learned that our client’s design style encompassed more of a vintage vibe, leaning towards a rustic antique aesthetic. Also, having both grown up in California, they still felt the most joy outdoors and at the beach. To create a home where this young and growing family could thrive, our mission was to blend the existing contemporary finishes with their penchant for vintage collectibles and furnishings. As such, we defined their home design as Vintage Mod, which, along with selecting durable and casually comfortable furnishings, served as our guiding light throughout the project.
As the furnishings were installed, the feeling of warmth and comfort fused seamlessly with our clients’ personal styles. A feeling of gratitude for creating a personal world they love greets me at the door each time I visit. Yet another GOGO mission accomplished.
A Sunny Kitchen/Great Room Evokes Beachfront Living
An Open Space Plan Lends Itself to Comfortable Casual Entertaining
A large sectional upholstered in durable, indoor/outdoor fabric anchors the Great Room and serves as “destination relaxation” for the family to spend quality time together. The blue linen upholstered counter stools, blue and white custom pillows and woven cotton area rug evoke a nautical feel, with additional textures in the rustic wall decor and art work bringing shots of accent color to the room.
Replacing the Island’s light fixtures with antique polished nickel pendants, installing a natural fiber roman shade, adding accessories discovered while antiquing, including a wood lazy susan on the island, a found chalkboard and a steel mini storage cabinet among other vintage accessories, diffused the more contemporary, clean lined aesthetic of the kitchen.
A cozy seating area surrounding a fireplace offers a quiet spot to drink cocktails and enjoy each others’ company, while a nearby custom-designed, hand-crafted dining table and an antique french cabinet warmly invite guests to dine in style. A commissioned painting of a Lighthouse nods to the clients’ California Beach Roots.
Transforming a Contemporary Powder Room into a Vintage Oasis
In the powder room, we diffused the contemporary wall tile and wall sconces with playful American Vintage Toille wallpaper whose colorway blended perfectly with the tile. Installing an antique bronze and crystal chandelier and an Osborne & Little fabric roman shade also reinforced the Vintage Mod aesthetic of the home
A Master Bedroom washed with sunlight and tranquil color
Establishing a serene gray and aqua color palette, the Master Bedroom serves as a family oasis, where our clients can share both alone time with each other and snuggle/reading time with their children. We created a seating zone flanked by a unique collage wall that documents the client’s connection to family and passion for travel. A treasured antique radio purchased by the man of the house perches on a pair of nesting tables and offers that Vintage flair that punctuates the entire home.
The Little Boy’s Bedroom feels like The Little Man Cave
Vintage Toy Airplanes, an antique propeller, a cloud rug and navy bunk beds create a world in the sky for the Little Man of the house to imagine as he falls asleep each night. Mixing mid-century modern chests with vintage accessories reinforces the continuity of the home’s Vintage Mod Style, even in the children’s bedrooms.
Lower Level Living Sees Lots of Action
The family’s mudroom is located on the lower level. It leads to the Guest Room, which was created to feel like a beachfront Bed & Breakfast resting spot, complete with Sand filled table lamps, coral accessories and framed seashell and coral illustrations. The children’s play area and TV seating zone for adults and kids alike is the final destination before heading upstairs to the main level.
It makes my heart sing to be able to get to know my clients’ unique personalities, likes and dislikes. This is my favorite type of project – one that truly is an expression of the homeowner’s soul. Email me with your ideas for your home.
Photography by Jon Cancelino Photography